Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Cold Weather and Battery observations and advice

In this recent spell of cold weather I have noted the following:

I replaced the battery a Varley Red Top Racing Battery (supposedly original replacement via Demon Tweeks) 3.5 yrs ago. Although this is kept on constant charge via a CTEK Conditioner the battery failed to turn when it was particularly cold and icy before Xmas. I queried this with Varley (DMT Technologies) and they state battery out of warranty (12 mths) and made no further statement. What is the lower temperature limit expected as I cannot find it in any specifications.

If it's a Varley Red Top 35 - listed for Morgan, the spec sheet shows 530 Amps at 0 degreesC and 410 Amps at -18 degreesC.

http://varleyredtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/VRT_2015_Iss8.pdf

I would have thought that would 'crank it'.

I think sometimes a battery just doesn't last, when a twin goes on and on. My Roadster battery managed 12 years and at the risk of summoning the battery genie, the one in MrsW's Polo is even older.
The regular charge should help but at the moment I'm only charging my Morgan batteries about every ten days, although my Golf battery is on permanent charge. It gets less use than the Morgans!

The irony is I only replaced the original battery (14 yrs) because I thought I should and this only have lasted 3.5 yrs. Not happy.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

What is the best type of battery for a car that sits for days and weeks before starting - regular lead acid or AGM (absorbent Glass Mat). I have been working away from home and will only be able to run my 79' 1600 once a month at most. Ignoring the short tern purchase cost, what is the best longer term solution? The battery will always be on a battery minder/charger. Thanks,

I’m not surprised, three and half years is not good

Maybe it was just unlucky and it was a duff battery

As far as I know, battery life is shortened the more times it’s allowed to go flat but if you’ve had it on a conditioner, then three and a half years is way, way below expectation

My last Mog had an Odessey battery which lasted 8 years and 3 owners and the last owner before me had the Mog stored in a unheated wooden garage without a charger

It was used a lot though even through Winter as it was with me

It was an Odessey PC925 if interested

Highly recommended and I know a few on TM swear by them (but not in a bad way, if you get my drift)

You would have thought so but if you haven’t already checked there is a slight possibility perhaps that it could be high contact resistance somewhere. Maybe worth adjusting/cleaning the battery terminals, earth point and starter connection?